Stem cell research is a heated topic that has been brought into the spotlight by celebrities such as Michael J Fox. Recently President Obama has forged the way for further research by passing an executive order allowing scientific research with stem cells. Those for stem cell research say they could cure numerous diseases and disorders. Those opposed say that it is murder and immoral. Where do I stand on the issue? Well, since I personally could benefit from stem cells, and knowing that millions who suffer from crippling diseases such as Parkinson’s could also greatly benefit from this, it is hard for me to see how this is a bad thing.
Stem cells are cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and give rise to specialized cells. They have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body and in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. They can regularly divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues in organs.
The most controversial kind of stem cell is the embryonic stem cell. These are human embryos grown in a laboratory. They were created for in vitro fertilization and when they were no longer needed, instead of being thrown away they were donated for research with the informed consent of the donor. They are not derived from eggs fertilized in a woman’s body, despite what the conservative opposition claims.
Stem cells are important for living organisms for many reasons. In some adult tissues, such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain, stem cells generate replacements for cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease. Stem cells offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
A potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat many diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, burns, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Adult stem cells are already being used to treat human diseases such leukemia, lymphoma, and various blood or autoimmune disorders.
Those opposed to stem cell research say it is immoral and murder. Well, the end that scientists hope to achieve is the relief of human suffering. How is that immoral? The main controversy has to do with the consumption of DONATED embryos. The whole issue here is whether or not a donated embryo which will never see the inside of a uterus should be considered a person. Those opposed to stem cell research say it is a crime to test embryos. I say it is a crime to let people suffering from various conditions and diseases who could greatly benefit from stem cells continue to suffer due to their non fact based beliefs.
I read Mollie’s post on stem cell research and I totally agree! I think that people who oppose it should really look into how the stem cell process works and how people benefit from it. I like how she mentioned the different typed of stem cells and their benefits. Overall her post is highly informative and it has very important facts that those who oppose stem cell research should be aware of.
ReplyDeleteCritique: A person, or not a person: that is the question
ReplyDeleteMy critique is on Mollie Hammer’s editorial A person, or not a person: that is the question. I agree with Mollie that stem cell research is important. Not only is it important, but it should have the full support of the government at all times, not jumping back and forth every time we get a new President. The possibilities of what stem cell research could provide to the advancement of treatments and cures are limitless. I think it is more humane to think about actual people that are suffering, than to be worried about using the stem cells of frozen embryos. To me it is more inhumane to continue to do nothing, while people have to suffer through debilitating disease like Parkinson, Alzheimer’s and other crippling diseases that slowly decays a living soul.
I think that if these so called activists who are against stem cell research had family members that could be helped by stem cell research, they would quickly change their minds. There are other ways to get stem cells other than an embryo. The umbilical cord can be used to obtain stem cells. This should not be an issue for those people against stem cell research, as babies are born every day and the umbilical cord is usually just thrown away. Also, how many abortions are performed each day? The possibility for stem cells research on these aborted embryos is also a possibility. Although this would probably be dangerous if companies start providing abortions just for stem cells.
This is a difficult issue, but one that should not be so hard because something that fits into a petri dish or a test tube is not more important to me than a person that is suffering, while their loved ones can do nothing but watch as the person they love slowly deteriorates right before their eyes.
Mollie wrote an excellent editorial and I enjoyed reading her article.
by: Genoveva Nannapaneni
I was reading a blog posted by fellow classmate, Mollie Hammer, titled, “A person, or not a person: that is the question” discussing stem cell research. This is another one of her wonderfully written posts, whether you agree with her take on favoring this research or not. She clearly states both sides of the argument in the first paragraph and supports her own opinion by relating on a personal note. She provides the definition of stem cells prior to beginning her argument, “stem cells are cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and give rise to specialized cells.” Mollie continues on to provide unbiased, scientific facts explaining what stem cells are used for and the many benefits they can provide to those with various disabilities. In her last paragraph, she states the other side of the argument (those who oppose stem cell research). She concludes her post by claiming that those who oppose this research do not have their facts straight on the issue.
ReplyDeleteI feel that after reading this post, I feel that Mollie has provided a strong argument to support her view in favor of stem cell research. The only thing I would like to have seen included in her post is some sort of reference to support the facts she has provided about stem cells. This is important so her readers will know if the information that she has provided is credible and they would have the option to read further about the subject. Overall, I think Mollie is an excellent writer and I enjoy reading her blogs.